Round 1

Because of the fracture blister, I knew there was a good chance of ending up with an x-brace (external fixator) after my surgery. I tried to wrap my head around it, imagining waking up to my leg looking like that (I'm a very visual person, so I needed to picture it). This led me to dreaming about waking up to one - which actually helped a lot in making it less scary.

My friend picked me up early, and in we went. The hospital was busy, and crowded. Not the most relaxing environment, but I wanted this process started. I don't remember much once they started the drugs, until I was in recovery. In the past, getting out of surgery hasn't been that big of a deal for me - this time, I was struggling. I was struggling to breath, it felt like my throat was swollen and I couldn't get air very easily. The grogginess was horrible, and I was super nauseous. They still kicked me out, holding my puke bag, and sent me home.

The ortho had plated my fibula and set it to length, and had to install a x-brace to hold everything else in place since the blisters prevented him from accessing the tibia. Since I had mentally prepared myself, it wasn't a shock, and it didn't weigh much, which helped. It was still scary looking, but wasn't bothering me since I had prepared for it being there.

Historically, I wasn't worried about post op - this was the one time I was. My friend had to go, she couldn't stay. My new roommate was still at his old place, but available by phone and only a couple blocks away. No one else seemed available to stay at the house for the night. This was the first time since this happened that I was truly worried about being alone. I felt horrible, and the swollen, sore throat making breathing tough had me a little scared.

But, there was nothing to do about it, so I grabbed my cats (one of which in particular was being rather protective of me) and hoped things would be okay. I got going on my pain meds, and eventually dosed off. Thankfully after a couple hours of sleep and some meds, I was feeling a little better, but I hadn't even had the energy before to update anyone (including family) of my condition....

Luckily things were okay, and by the time evening rolled around, I was feeling mostly okay and not too worried about the night. Now it was time to see what would come next.